Missouri one of 8 states to avoid flu outbreak so far

ST. LOUIS COUNTY (KSDK) - The flu is widespread across the country, and we're on target for one of the worst season on record.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, 42 states are dealing with widespread flu outbreaks right now.

Missouri is one of only eight states able to avoid that designation.

Dr. Lyndon Hohenkirk, an emergency room doctor at SSM St. Mary's Health Center, says Missouri has been spared the worst because of high vaccination rates. But he adds flu season doesn't typically peak for a few more weeks, so people shouldn't let their guard down.

"The group that I worry about more is the immuno-suppressed, people on chemotherapy, people who've got respiratory conditions and cardiovascular as well as the elderly. Those are the people we really need to come to the emergency room for further evaluation," said Dr. Hohenkirk.

Dr. Hohenkirk adds most healthier people should be able to ride out the flu at home.